Pronunciation: [stˈanfəd] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "Stanford" is /stænˈfɔrd/. This word is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable /stæn/ and the vowels in the second syllable /fɔrd/ combine together to create a diphthong sound. The first vowel /o/ has an open sound and the second vowel /r/ merges with it to make a rounded vowel sound /ɔ/. The spelling of "Stanford" is important to ensure clear communication and understanding of the word.
Stanford refers to multiple entities, with the two most widely recognized being Stanford University and the surname Stanford.
1. Stanford University: A prestigious private research university located in Stanford, California, United States. Founded in 1885, it is considered one of the world's leading educational institutions. Stanford University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and medicine. It is renowned for its academic excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurial culture. The university's campus covers a large area and includes numerous state-of-the-art facilities, such as libraries, laboratories, research centers, and sports facilities. Stanford University has a significant impact on global research and education, producing notable scholars, Nobel laureates, and leaders in various fields.
2. Stanford (Surname): Stanford is a surname of English origin. Historically, it referred to someone who came from one of the various places named Stanford in England, which means "stone ford" in Old English. The surname Stanford is relatively common and has spread to different parts of the world through migration and colonization. It is often used as a family name, and individuals with this surname can be found in various professional fields, such as academia, business, sports, and arts.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Stanford" has its origins in Old English. It is a combination of two terms: "stan" meaning "stone" and "ford" meaning "a shallow place where a river can be crossed". Thus, "Stanford" literally translates to "stone ford" or "stone crossing". The name is associated with several locations, most notably Stanford University, founded by Leland Stanford in 1885.
